Anger And Gratitude

Anger by Claudia H. Blanton

the anger behind
that sweet smile you always show
is reserved for me

Domestic abuse – a reality many women – and men – experience in their relationship. The fear of those who supposed to be caring for us, making our homes a nightmare, instead of a safe haven is real, and never the fault of the abused.

Why am I choosing to write about domestic violence in a blog post that usually features “Celebrate The Small Things” and “Thankful Thursday”? Because I am thankful to be one of those women who do not have to live in fear, but I am also aware that this puts me in the situation to choose to ignore the plight of others, or do something about it.

While donating to organisations that assist domestic violence victims might not seem a lot, it is something many of us who live a comfortable and safe life can do. Just because we do not experience this type of environment, does not mean we can let ourselves be numb to those who suffer.

But, I am going to add this for my most eager readers, you should NEVER get directly involved. Domestic violence perpetrators are violent and dangerous, making anyone in their way a target just as much as the actual target they desire. If you suspect anyone you know being abused, or know that they are in need of help, look for local resources they can contact, or call them yourself, and ask them what actions they suggest for the abused to take. Those professionals are trained to assist victims and keep them safe, something that you and I are not.

If you are looking for organisations that help battered spouses, check out the following links:

Women helping battered women
 National Coalition Against Domestic Violence
 Leaving Abuse

This blog post is a part of the following blog hops:

Thankful Thursdays

Celebrate The Small Things

Thankful Thursday (Pepi Smart Dog)

Reasons to be Cheerful

Reflect

 

The above art piece “Anger” is available on RedBubble, and I am donating 20 % of profits of this digital art piece to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Thank you for your support.

 

A Day To Remember

The happiest day of his life was also his last, the death coming with such a swiftness, no one expected it to occur.
The vitality of his existence had been more evident on this day, than it had been in a long time, his eyes filled with love and hope, his stride with strength and determination.
Their special day, a day to remember, supposed to have been filled with the greatness of celebrating love, and the beginning of a new life.
Not the sudden end of one.
Maybe one day, she would be able to see through the grief and know that in the moment of his demise, he felt nothing, but love.

Copyright Claudia H. Blanton 2014

This Flash Fiction was inspired by today’s daily prompt: “An Extreme Tale”

Waiting

I waited all my life.
I have been waiting for the right moment to run away from this prison called family, find my own way, forge my own destiny.
I have been waiting for that special time to follow through on my dreams, the moment of inspiration to strike, when the fire of following through burns so hot within me, that it leaves me no choice but to act.
I have been waiting for the perfect second to share with you the deep love I feel, expressing all that my heart desires so much to share, with you, my soul mate.
On my knee, in front of you, I am no longer waiting, for the thought of loosing you burns harder in me within me, than any fear of taking a chance.

Copyright Claudia H. Blanton 2014

This Five Sentence Flash Fiction was inspired by a Five Sentence Flash Prompt “Waiting”

If you enjoyed this Flash Fiction check out my collection of Flashes “A Darker Slice of Life” for only 99 cents! 

 

Gone To Soon – A Five Sentence Flash Fiction

Gone To Soon

Their marriage had been over before it even had begun, a sham actually, it was never the real thing, never that what most girls would dream of, or what men would consider a blessing.
No, this was a front, a mixture of defiance and a vehicle to freedom from restrictions and expectations.
A potential place where a breathing room-  away from family expectation – could facilitate some growth.
Never consummated, never expressed, never closer than two people sharing space, two strangers wanting to taste what was possible.
But at the end, what surprised her most, was how much it hurt to stand next his grave, gone too soon.

 

Copyright Claudia H. Blanton 2014

This Five Sentence Flash Fiction was inspired by this weeks prompt: “Marriage”. 

 

Just A Girl – A Flash Fiction

This was the worst, and scariest day of her short life, the day where everything would change, and nothing would ever be the same.
A slave to a custom, that never dared to ask what she wanted, her choices not relevant, her young age not an obstacle.
She was, after all, just a girl, her father’s property, for him to give away, so she could become the property of another.
A person, whom she had never met, and who would from now on, be the one deciding for her, where she could go, whom she could talk to, and to bare his children.
Pushing back the tears, she tried to smile through the delicate veil her Aunt put upon her, awaiting her new fate, as a wife.

Copyright Claudia H. Blanton 2014

This post was inspired by this weeks Flash Fiction Prompt: “Marriage”